Hiking the Heritage Coastline of Exmoor National Park

Exmoor is certainly one of England’s best kept secrets, as holidaymakers flock in thousands past it to Cornwall’s sandy beaches. “Why did no one tell me how beautiful it is?” is the comment overheard most often after visiting Exmoor. Celebrated for its beautiful coastline, towering cliffs, free-roaming native Exmoor ponies, starry nights of exceptional quality (Exmoor is Europe’s very first International Dark Sky Reserve) and picturesque villages, Exmoor is a joy to explore – especially in summer!

Departing from London early on Saturday morning, we'll head to the idyllic coastal hamlet of Bossington, with its traditional thatched cottages. From there, we'll pick up the South West Coast Path and climb gradually to Bossington Hill, with spectacular views over the Exmoor coastline, Porlock Bay and the Welsh Coast – on a clear day you can see the “inaccessible” Gower Peninsula just across the Bristol Channel. After Bossington Hill, the South West Coast Path splits, giving a walker two options. We'll take the “rugged” cliff-top route, which runs closer to the coast and offers more dramatic views, but also comes with many steep climbs and descents into deep valleys. The path will then lead us through pleasant woodlands to Minehead harbour, with its mile-long sandy beach. After the hike, we'll relax and enjoy a delicious dinner in Minehead before driving to our hotel.

On Sunday, right after breakfast, we'll head to County Gate where, as the name suggests, the counties of Devon and Somerset meet. Today's walk will take us along the dramatic Exmoor coastline to the pretty twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth, known as “Little Switzerland” and elegantly connected by the water-powered Cliff Railway. The highlight of the day is the extraordinary U-shaped Valley of Rocks, famous for its spectacular rock formations and its herd of friendly feral goats.

ITINERARY
Saturday:
07:45 Meet outside Hotel Novotel London West, 1 Shortlands, W6 8DR (a five-minute walk from Hammersmith Station)
08:00 Sharp departure
12:30-18:00 Hike along the coast from Bossington Beach to Minehead, through woodland and steep cliff tops (difficulty: Moderate, distance: 13km, ascent: 470m)
18:00-19:30 Dinner at the historic Old Ship Aground pub with picturesque Minehead harbour views
19:30 Departure
20:45 Check-in at Holiday Inn Express Exeter East hotel and free time
Sunday:
07:00 Breakfast (included)
08:00 Departure
09:30­-14:30 Hike from County Gate to the Valley of Rocks (difficulty: Moderate, distance: 14km, ascent: 620m)
14:30-16:00 Lunch in the picturesque village of Lynton
16:00 Departure
20:45 London, Hammersmith
TRANSPORT
As on most of our trips, we'll travel in a comfortable 16-seater minibus.
LUGGAGE
You can bring two small bags with you: one cabin size personal item bag (up to 10kg) and one smaller hiking backpack to fit under the seat. During the hike, you can leave your luggage in the minibus.
BOOKING
You’re welcome to book and pay via Eventbrite. However, to get the best price and avoid the Eventbrite commission (around £25), we recommend booking directly through our Meetup page or emailing us at [email protected]
THE PRICE OF £288 INCLUDES

• Transport throughout the trip
• Experienced, professional PSV minibus driver
• Guiding on all hiking routes by an experienced and qualified Mountain Leader
• One night's accommodation at a hotel in shared twin rooms (you'll share your room with somebody from our group of the same gender)
• Full English buffet breakfast on Sunday
• Professional event organisation
• Group first aid kit with qualified first aiders
• Admin fee
• 20% VAT
  

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Personal insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects, and personal trekking insurance)
  

HOW TO CONTACT US
For all enquiries, please email us at [email protected] We'll usually get back to you within 4 hours.
WHAT TO BRING

• Suitable hiking shoes with ankle support
• Sunscreen (if sunny)
• Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers (if there is a chance of rain)
• Water (min 1L)
• Nuts and energy snacks to last you during the trip
• Walking poles (optional)

REVIEWS ⭐
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REFUND POLICY
Tickets purchased via Eventbrite are strictly non-refundable and non-transferable.